ESPN’s Barry Larkin Elected To Hall Of Fame

The Hall of Fame announced today that former Reds shortstop Barry Larkin will be the only inductee in the Class of 2012 alongside the late Ron Santo. Larkin was a 12-time All-Star for the Reds, the winner of the 1995 NL MVP Award, and is one of a dying breed. He played all 19 years of his career with the Cincinnati Reds. Larkin had Here’s what he had to say about the induction courtesy of USA Today:

“I’m at a loss of words for this time,” said Larkin. “I’m incredibly, incredibly moved by this experience, so humbled by being newest member of the Hall of Fame.

“I don’t know how things changed, but I am so pleased and happy with everything. I was really surprised by the 86%, but I am so thankful for everyone who voted for me and supported me.”

Larkin crossed the 75% threshold needed from voters with an impressive 86.4% vote total, up from just over 60% the year prior. Jack Morris was the next highest player on the list with 66.7%. Jeff Bagwell and Lee Smith also had over 50%. It’s truly a deserving honor for one of the most underrated players to play the game, who has turned into a very good analyst on television. (You can listen to our podcast with Barry from early October where he touched on the Hall and other topics here.)

About Matt Yoder

Award winning sportswriter at The Comeback and Awful Announcing. The biggest cat in the whole wide world.